Taco Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines all the bold flavors of tacos in a baked, cheesy casserole. With layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, crispy tortillas, and gooey melted cheese, this family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- All the Taco Flavors: Bold, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats beautifully.
- Customizable: Use your favorite toppings and ingredients.
- One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Base:
- Ground beef (or turkey)
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Taco seasoning
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- Black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Corn (optional)
- Tomato sauce
- Tortilla chips or corn tortillas
For the Topping:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Green onions (chopped)
- Cilantro (chopped)
- Jalapeños (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Taco Meat
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Seasoning & Veggies:
- Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat Oven:
- Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips or tortillas at the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Pour half of the taco meat mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle a layer of cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 20-25 Minutes:
- Until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Let cool slightly, then top with sour cream, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve with extra tortilla chips, salsa, or guacamole.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Use black beans and lentils instead of beef.
- Low-Carb: Swap tortillas for cauliflower rice.
- Extra Crunchy: Top with more crushed tortilla chips before baking.
- Creamier: Mix in a layer of cream cheese or refried beans.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Do I have to use tortilla chips?
No, you can use corn tortillas, flour tortillas, or omit them for a low-carb version.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works great.
Can I add rice?
Yes! Cooked Mexican or Spanish rice makes a great addition.
What’s the best way to keep tortilla chips from getting soggy?
Use whole tortillas instead of chips or layer chips right before serving.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives.
What side dishes go well with taco casserole?
Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad.
Can I use canned enchilada sauce instead of tomato sauce?
Yes! Enchilada sauce adds even more flavor.
How do I make this casserole extra cheesy?
Add an extra layer of cheese between the meat layers and on top.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, then top with cheese before serving.
Conclusion
Taco Casserole is the perfect family-friendly meal that combines all the flavors of tacos in a warm, cheesy bake. Whether for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is easy, customizable, and always a hit. Try it today and enjoy a stress-free, flavor-packed meal!
Print
Taco Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This easy and cheesy taco casserole has all the flavors of classic tacos in a baked, layered dish—perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, layers of tortillas, melty cheese, and your favorite taco toppings!
Ingredients
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
For the Casserole Layers:
- 8 small corn tortillas (or 4 large flour tortillas, cut in halves)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for layering)
For Toppings (Optional, But Recommended!):
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Cook the Beef Mixture:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess grease, then add garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn, then remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer 4 tortillas (or 2 large ones) at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat with another layer of tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Optional: Add dollops of sour cream between the layers for extra creaminess.
3. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Garnish & Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Top with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap ground beef for extra beans or crumbled tofu.
- Make it low-carb: Use low-carb tortillas or layer with zucchini slices instead of tortillas.